First-ever CBI raid on Punjab Vigilance Bureau; Mohali office sealed in bribery probe linked to suspended DIG Bhullar

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has sealed the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) headquarters in Sector 68, Mohali, after carrying out searches there following a raid at a five-star hotel in Chandigarh, in what marks the first known instance of a central agency raiding a state’s own anti-corruption wing.

Sources said the action is a direct technical follow-up to the ongoing bribery investigation involving suspended DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar, who was arrested by the CBI in October 2025.

The late-night operation, which began on Monday and continued through Tuesday, has put at least three senior VB officials under the scanner, sources said.

During the raid at the Vigilance Bureau office, CBI sleuths allegedly attempted to contact VB chief SS Chauhan, but he remained unavailable and his phone was switched off, sources claimed. However, Chauhan on Tuesday morning said he was available and would be attending office during the day.

The latest action stems from a Prevention of Corruption Act case registered by the CBI’s Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB), Chandigarh. Raghav Goel, an alleged middleman from Malout and said to be a local politician, was arrested during a trap laid by the CBI at a hotel in Sector 35, Chandigarh.

The CBI recovered Rs 13 lakh out of the alleged Rs 25 lakh bribe amount during the operation, sources said.

According to sources, an inspector-rank officer had allegedly come to deliver the money to the reader of a senior Vigilance Bureau official in order to “settle” an ongoing case. The transaction was reportedly taking place in the presence of middlemen when the CBI team moved in and arrested Goel.

“The reader of the senior VB official reportedly managed to sneak out during the operation,” sources added.

The CBI has not yet issued an official statement regarding the identities of the officials under scrutiny or the exact nature of the alleged settlement. Investigations are continuing.

An official spokesperson of Punjab Vigilance Bureau said that a private individual has been caught by the CBI, and the investigation is ongoing. If the name of anyone from the bureau arises, we will cooperate fully with the CBI and let the law take its course.